Man Accused of Murdering Missing Woman Faces Legal Battle Amid Immigration Status Concerns
A 35-year-old man in the U.S. illegally, Hugo Hernandez-Mendez, has been charged with the murder of 19-year-old Dacara Thompson, whose body was discovered near Route 50 in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Thompson’s family reported her missing on August 23, and her remains were found in a grassy area on Sunday. The Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed the arrest, noting that Hernandez-Mendez is being held without bond. Immigration authorities have issued a detainer against him, highlighting the legal complexities of his status.
Hernandez-Mendez, who lived in the home where Thompson’s body was found, had a prior DWI arrest in April, which led to his temporary release pending court proceedings. The case has drawn national attention, with Maryland Governor Wes Moore condemning the violence and stating the state will pursue justice with every available tool. The cause of Thompson’s death remains under investigation, with police suggesting it may be a homicide based on evidence collected. As the probe continues, authorities are examining whether the two knew each other prior to her disappearance.